Single RV rental site approved near Molly Stark Lake in OTC
News | Published on July 30, 2024 at 2:57pm GMT+0000 | Author: Tucker Henderson
0Several area property owners raised concerns about single RV site rental
By Tom Hintgen
Otter Tail County Correspondent
County commissioners, on July 23, approved a conditional use permit application request to rent a single unit Recreational Vehicle (RV) site to the public on Rokmar Road near Molly Stark Lake and West Battle Lake. Approval came despite opposition from some area property owners.
An earlier denial from the county planning commission, which makes recommendations to county commissioners, resulted in a second look at this proposal. Some area property owner concerns included traffic and safety issues and lack of compatibility with neighboring properties.
County commissioners felt that there was the need to remand this back to the Planning Commission for them to reconsider the application. Later, the planning commission addressed concerns and then sent the request back to county commissioners, this time recommending final approval.
One deciding factor from both the planning commission and county commission members, before approval, was that if the proposed use was more than one RV, this would not meet the criteria of compatibility. But with only one RV site this was something they could live with, leading to approval.
“I see no negative impacts to area lakes and no negative impacts to wetlands,” said County Commissioner Wayne Johnson of Pelican Rapids. He added that a maximum of just three vehicles will be allowed at the single unit Recreational Vehicle (RV) site.
County Commissioner Lee Rogness of Fergus Falls said the proposal falls under the umbrella of economic development and bringing tourists into Otter Tail County, hopefully persuading some visitors to move here and become full-time residents. This, he said, would increase the county tax base.
Kurt Mortenson, county commission chairman, said he understood the concerns from those opposed to the RV rental site proposal, but added that commissioners must listen to all sides of the debate and then make a decision which may not be agreeable to everyone.
The five county commissioners felt like they made the right decision.
Other decisions
by county board
County commissioners, on July 23, voted to assist Bongards Creamery of Perham with a revenue bond issuance request. This will assist the Perham business with a waste-water improvement system, part of an overall modernization plan for the cheese and whey manufacturer.
“The state of Minnesota has an allocation pool for these types of projects,” said Community Development Director Amy Baldwin to county commissioners.
The bonds will be paid solely by loan repayments to be paid by the borrower (Bongards) under the terms of a loan agreement. The county’s adoption of this resolution does not obligate the county, directly or indirectly. The bond counsel is Ballard Spahr LLP of Minneapolis.
County commissioners heard a review from County Administrator Nicole Hansen about the American Rescue Plan’s assistance of $11.4 million in the wake of covid, in 2021 and 2022.
The money was used for the betterment of Otter Tail County, including funding for housing, broadband, child care, law enforcement, crisis intervention, sheriff office enhancements, emergency management, solid waste and other projects.
“We as a county followed the strict guidelines that were in place on how to use the money,” Hansen said. She added that guidance for use of the federal funds also came from Ehlers of Roseville, an industry-leading municipal advisory firm.
Hansen also addressed county commissioners about opioid settlement funds.
“Our county health department is taking the lead in coordination with communities throughout Otter Tail County,” she said. “Also in place is an advisory committee on how the opioid settlement funds should be used.”
Attorney general offices from several states sued major pharmaceutical distributors and won the lawsuits. Each state’s share of the funds is determined by the number of substance use disorders, quantity of opioids delivered and the population of the state.
In Otter Tail County, much of the money will likely be used for education, prevention and recovery services.
“Supporting the prevention and treatment of substance use in our communities will be ongoing,” Hansen said. “We will consult with municipalities within our county in the development of any community health assessment.”
A review of the opioid settlement and availability of funding is provided on the county website.